'I’m just warming up': Ford supporters look to next Toronto mayoral election for hope

You can view the final results of the election here.

After a night of emotional highs, lows and a bunch of complicated feelings in between, supporters at mayoral candidate Doug Ford’s election night party were able to keep the faith by turning their attention to the next mayoral race in 2018.

“Folks, if you know anything about the Ford family we never ever ever give up,” said a defiant Mayor Rob Ford after returns showed his brother Doug Ford would not succeed him in the mayor’s office. “I guarantee in four more years you’re going to see another example of the Ford family never ever ever giving up.”

The outgoing mayor, who will stick around as a member of Toronto City Council after winning election in the Ward 2 council race, used his speech at the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall in Rexdale to buoy the spirits of an audience that had some trouble accepting that John Tory, and not Doug Ford, would be the new mayor of Toronto.

A handful of supporters, most of whom would not even consider providing their names to reporters, alleged widespread electoral fraud and media bias for Tory’s win. When Doug Ford took the podium to give his concession speech, he was greeted with chants of “RECOUNT! “Mention of Tory’s victory drew boos on two occasions.

But the message from the Fords themselves stayed more positive, with a clear focus on taking back city hall in 2018.

“We did not have deep pockets and we only had six weeks to make up so much ground, but together we have changed the landscape of Toronto,” said Doug Ford in his concession speech, while also giving himself and his brother credit for introducing the “idea of government for the people.”

“I will go to sleep tonight knowing that I gave it absolutely everything,” said the second-placed finisher.

But it was Rob, not Doug, that was the star in the room. The mayor, now completely bald after going through chemotherapy to treat an aggressive form of cancer, entered the room to sustained cheers.

While promising to take care of his health, he also pledged to “take care of every taxpayer of the city.” He said he’d work with Tory on issues like contracting out garbage, while fighting him on any attempt to build light rail lines.

“We today are going to start working for November of 2018. What the exact date will be, I’m not quite sure. October, November -- but I know that’s going to be a very important date,” said Rob Ford.

“I’ll continue to fight,” he added. “I’m just warming up, trust me.”

You can view the final results of the election here.